A Hug on the Wind

In this illustrated picture book, Sam’s grandmother is going away for the winter, and he worries about how they’ll keep in touch. She tells him that she can send a hug on the wind, kisses in the rain and fireflies to say good night—and Sam realizes his grandma will always be there for him no matter the distance.

Keep Our World Green

Part of the nonfiction Orca Timeline series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book examines parks, gardens and public green spaces throughout history and shares why it’s important to protect them for future generations.

My Summer Camp Has Mega Sloths

In this follow-up to My Best Friend Is Extinct, Henry and his friends attend a summer camp led by a shady head counselor. Luckily, there’s still fun to be had: Henry reunites with Yarp, a prehistoric short-faced bear, and discovers a herd of gentle mega sloths. When a wildfire encroaches, everyone has to band together to escape.

A Stronger Home

A mother and son experiencing family violence have to flee their home, moving from place to place to find safe shelter, until finally they’re able to go back home again and make it the strongest house yet.

The True Story of Vanilla

Part of the Orca Biography series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated nonfiction book tells the story of how Edmond Albius, an enslaved boy, discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla, a technique that is still used all over the world today.

Two Tricksters Find Friendship

After a young girl moves to a small island community, she and a local Indigenous boy form a strong friendship over the summer. When they begin the fourth grade together, the two find adventure while navigating the challenges and prejudices of their lives.

Saving Wolfgang

In this middle-grade novel, Wolfgang and his mother move in with his grandfather in the wake of his father's death, and Wolfie's new friend Jimmy helps him find solace through hockey. But Wolfgang can't stop wondering why his father's cause of death is such a secret.

The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt

In this middle-grade novel told in letters, when Sara Salt's little brother is born early, her mom and stepdad send her to stay in Toronto with her half-sister Abby, who is starting a transitional housing park for unhoused people

Kenzie's Little Tree

In this contemplative picture book, Kenzie's mom doesn't always feel well, but Kenzie learns that she is strong—just like the little tree they plant in their yard—and that together, they can get through the hard times.

No Huddles for Heloise

In this humorous picture book, Heloise the penguin doesn't like huddling with her friends (it gives her the collywobbles), so she sets off to find others like her but discovers there's no place like home—especially when your friends support you.

Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day

In this illustrated early chapter book, Brianna is convinced she will finally make a friend in her class if she is chosen to be classroom helper, but the new girl, Rumi, is picked instead.

Finding Harmony

In this middle-grade novel, Harmony moves back home with her mom after being in a foster home, but her mom hasn't dealt with her addiction issues and Harmony feels like she's the only one keeping her and her mom together.

Our Plastic Problem

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book explores the history and uses of plastic and the resulting environmental problems.

Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee

In this dual-language picture book in English and Anishinaabemowin, a child is chased by Windigo, who preys on isolation and insecurity. But Kokum calls to the child with a message of hope, and a hummingbird arrives with teachings of love and resilience.

Taking Care of Where We Live

Part of the nonfiction Orca Think series for middle-grade readers, this illustrated book introduces readers to ecological restoration and what they can do to help ecosystems in their own communities and around the world.

Flash Flood

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, foster brothers Zack and Peter pull together to survive after a flash flood leaves them stranded in an evacuated neighborhood of their riverside town.

Jordan and Max, Race Day

In this illustrated early chapter book, Max helps Jordan train for their school's end-of-year obstacle course. But with a classroom rival and rain on race day in the mix, Jordan realizes finishing will be its own reward.

Diwali

Enlivened by personal stories, Diwali illuminates and celebrates how Hindu, Sikh and Jain traditions are kept alive in the modern world in this work of nonfiction for middle readers.

How to Become an Accidental Activist

This nonfiction book for middle-grade readers is full of stories about inspiring activists who have accidentally changed the world. The activists profiled are a variety of ages and come from around the world.

Picture a Girl

In this middle-grade novel, Addie has to draw on all her resilience to look after herself and her little brother, Billy, when their mother, who struggles with depression and alcoholism, leaves unexpectedly.

The Pie Reports

Despite living an ocean apart, a child connects with her grandfather over a shared love of pie and learns to hold space for him through his progressive illness.

Get Outside!

Part of the nonfiction Orca Footprints series for middle-grade readers, this book examines the connection between humans and nature, why that connection is important and what we can learn from being outdoors. Illustrated with photographs throughout.

It's a They!

In this board book told in simple rhyming verse, siblings use gender-neutral pronouns to welcome a new baby into the family. Accompanied by adorable photos, this text depicts a much-loved baby who will decide their gender when they're ready—and will be loved no matter what.